July 7 - Grubenhaus!

It would appear that the series of intercutting pits we explored earlier in the week is resolving itself into an Early Saxon 'grub hut'. These are the simplest types of Saxon buildings, often described as workshops, but their true function is a constant subject of debate.

Known variously as grubenhauser or SFBs (sunken feature buildings),  these buildings were at their simplest a pair of posts supporting a peaked roof which rested on the ground. Evidence suggests that some may have had wooden floors over the pit but again, there is much debate (as with most things in archaeology!)